Merry Christmas for those of you who celebrated it! How’s your
Christmas Eve? Is it fun? Have you make preparation for New Year’s Eve yet?
Well whatever your activities are, I hope it turns out well J
Just like you, K-Pop idols also celebrated Christmas and New Year.
They do it in a way which showcase their best ability, performing. Some idols
put out new music for this occasion. This included EXO and TWICE.
EXO released Universe album
with same name title track on Tuesday, December 26th 2017. This is
their fourth winter special album. Meanwhile, TWICE is a first timer. The girls
released repackage album called Merry & Happy on Monday, 11th
December 2017. It has Heart Shaker as
title track.
How is EXO and TWICE’s Christmas as well as New Year’s special
single sound like? Check out my review here……………………
EXO –
Universe
Universe is a melancholic song about the regretful feeling of losing
someone. EXO still could not let go of their past lover. They will do anything
to get her back even if it means searching in the universe.
Since Universe has sad
theme, EXO keeps it consistent by singing in ballad genre. Piano melody takes
front step throughout the song. However, EXO tries out something new starting
from the first chorus.
EXO adds rock touch through electric guitar and drum sound. The
combination of rock-ballad is new thing for EXO and it does not disappoint. Universe becomes more dramatic without
being too much.
This mix of rock-ballad music is accompanied by soaring vocal.
Each EXO member manages to deliver their line while shows their vocal growth. I
am particularly impressed yet surprised with Suho and Xiumin. They
get more lines and successfully shine during chorus part.
As
for music video, it represents the melancholy tone of Universe song itself. There are many shots that describe EXO
loneliness. They wander around with gloomy expression on their face. This theme
could be more fitting if EXO use different type of setting, not the limited one
like in Universe music video.
Related
with theme, warmer colors like brown and cream also dominate Universe music video. It appears on
setting, properties, and clothes. The usage of warmer color is quite rare
because winter usually described with white color that looks like snow. But, it
successfully brings calming feeling in Universe
music video.
Warmer
color is suitable with symbolism in Universe
music video too. It shows various types of coffee and rope. Cup of coffee
becomes universe representation. The dark color is similar with galaxy scenery.
Meanwhile, disorganized rope might be a symbol of chaos in universe.
Rating: 4/5
TWICE
– Heart Shaker
If
EXO expresses gloomy winter with Universe,
TWICE does the opposite. Heart Shaker brings
out festive theme of Christmas and New Year. It is a high-energy pop song that
command attention since the first listen.
Heart Shaker continues
TWICE’s signature to present a song with interesting dynamic. It is quirky yet
easy to listen. The verses are sharp that full of fast exchanging lines. Meanwhile,
the chorus has strong grip. This successfully represents Heart Shaker lyrics about TWICE braveness to confess love to their
crush.
The
chorus itself stands out among TWICE title tracks since it relies on the whole
melody, not only hooks. It also showcases Nayeon
and Jihyo’s powerful vocal
although some parts sound too high compare to their vocal range. All of these
elements accompanied by electric guitar and drum sound.
The
cheerful spirit of Heart Shaker shows
on its music video. It is full of bright colors styling and properties in
various setting. It’s great to see them mark each property with different color
to avoid dullness. TWICE members seem having fun too, which makes them more
engaging to watch and increases their stage presence.
Aside
from that, Heart Shaker music video
manages to show TWICE quirky style. Look how TWICE multiplies on the last
scene. Then watch Heart Shaker
choreography, which each member gives affection to others. It is bizarre yet
fun at the same time.
Rating: 4/5
Both
EXO and TWICE has release solid music at Christmas and New Year 2018. It is
hard to pick the better one since they shine on their own way. Plus, their
material has different style too.
Universe fits
a cold and quiet winter experience. EXO’s pop-rock ballad with soaring vocal
will wrench your heart. On the other hand, TWICE lifts up your Christmas and New Year spirit. Heart Shaker strong dynamic and catchy lyrics suitable for joyful
event.
So,
which one is your pick?
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